Free People vs. Free People Movement: What's the difference?
Free People is a bohemian fashion brand known for its flowy dresses, vintage-inspired tops, and eclectic accessories for everyday wear. In contrast, Free People Movement is the brand's activewear sub-brand, focusing on functional apparel like leggings and sports bras that blend the same free-spirited aesthetic with performance-ready materials suitable for workouts and athleisure.
Let’s break down the key differences between these two collections to help you decide which line is right for your wardrobe.
Free People: The Quintessential Bohemian Fashion Brand
Free People is an American fashion brand that has built its identity on a free-spirited, bohemian-chic aesthetic. It caters to women who value individuality and creativity, offering eclectic pieces that feel personal and vintage-inspired. From signature flowy maxi dresses to intricate embroidered blouses and denim, the main collection is designed for everyday life, special occasions, and everything in between.
- Product mix: A wide range of women's apparel including dresses, tops, sweaters, jeans, outerwear, and accessories. The focus is on unique, fashion-forward pieces rather than functional basics.
- Price point: Positioned in the mid-range market, items typically cost between $50 for a basic top to over $300 for elaborate dresses or jackets.
- Quality & Materials: Known for using soft, textured materials like high-quality cotton, lace, chiffon, and detailed embroidery to achieve its signature romantic look.
- Sizing/Fit: Garments often feature a relaxed, oversized, and flowy silhouette. Sizing typically runs from XS to XL, and many customers find styles to be generously sized.
- Style: The aesthetic is distinctly bohemian, romantic, and eclectic, ideal for festivals, casual outings, vacations, and creating a layered, artistic look.
Free People is your destination for expressive, fashion-driven pieces that embody a creative and free-spirited lifestyle.
Shop Free People: freepeople.com
Free People Movement: Stylish Bohemian-Inspired Activewear
Free People Movement is the brand's answer to the booming world of activewear and athleisure. It merges the core aesthetic of Free People with the technical features required for an active lifestyle. This collection is designed for yoga, gym sessions, hiking, or simply lounging in comfort and style. It brings a fashion-forward perspective to functional clothing, allowing for self-expression even during a workout.
- Product mix: A complete activewear lineup including leggings, sports bras, shorts, bodysuits, workout tops, and fleece jackets. Pieces are designed for movement and performance.
- Price point: Generally more accessible than the main fashion line, with most items priced between $40 and $150.
- Quality & Materials: Focuses on performance-oriented fabrics like nylon/spandex blends, moisture-wicking textiles, and four-way stretch materials that offer support and breathability.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed for activity, the fit is typically more snug, supportive, and compressive than the mainline. While sizing is consistent (XS-XL), some find that items run a bit small and prefer to size up for comfort.
- Style: Sporty and functional, but infused with Free People's unique flair through details like bold prints, ribbed textures, cut-outs, and relaxed silhouettes on tops and outerwear.
Free People Movement provides functional activewear that doesn't sacrifice the signature free-spirited style of the main brand.
Shop Free People Movement: freepeople.com/collections/movement
Free People vs. Free People Movement Comparison
Price Comparison
Free People's main collection has a wider and higher price range, reflecting its detailed designs and fashion-centric materials. A dress can easily cost $150-$250, while a pair of jeans might be around $80-$100. It's a mid-tier fashion investment.
Free People Movement is generally more budget-friendly. Leggings typically range from $70-$120 and sports bras are often in the $40-$60 range. While still premium activewear, its price point is competitive within the upscale athleisure market and offers a more accessible entry into the brand's ecosystem.
Quality & Materials
Quality in the mainline Free People collection is defined by aesthetic and feel. The focus is on fabrics that look and feel luxurious or unique, like delicate lace, soft knits, and gauzy cottons. Durability is built for everyday life, not for high-intensity physical activity.
For Free People Movement, quality is measured by performance. Materials are chosen for sweat-wicking properties, stretch retention, and durability through repeated workouts and washes. The emphasis is on technical functionality that supports movement, with fabrics designed to hold their shape and provide comfort during exercise.
Style & Aesthetic
The primary aesthetic of Free People is bohemian romance. Think music festivals, artistic expression, and effortless, layered looks. It's about creating a statement through fashion.
Free People Movement adapts this carefree vibe for an active context. It trades lace for ribbed textures and flowy chiffon for relaxed, draping hoodies. The prints are often just as bold and artistic as the mainline, but the silhouettes are grounded in function for yoga, HIIT classes, or a morning run. It’s a stylish approach to feeling good while moving your body.
Fit & Sizing
The fit of Free People is one of its most defining features. An emphasis on "free" means many pieces are intentionally oversized, loose, and flowy. Shoppers often size down if they want a more conventional fit.
Conversely, Free People Movement offers a fit designed for support and motion. Leggings are snug with varying levels of compression, and tops are cut to allow for a full range of movement without getting in the way. It’s best to stick to your true size or consult the size chart, though some prefer to size up in compressive items for a more comfortable, everyday feel.
Shopping Experience
You can shop both collections seamlessly on the main Free People website. Free People Movement has its own dedicated tab in the navigation menu, making it easy to switch between browsing fashion and activewear. Because they are part of the same company, they share the same checkout process, shipping options, and return policies, which simplifies the overall experience.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both collections serve different needs within the same bohemian-inspired world. The right choice simply depends on what you're looking for.
Choose Free People if:
- You're building a wardrobe of unique, vintage-inspired fashion pieces for daily life.
- You need an outfit for a concert, vacation, or casual brunch.
- You value artisanal details like embroidery, lace, and unique prints.
- You love a relaxed, oversized, and comfortable fit in your clothing.
Choose Free People Movement if:
- You need stylish and functional apparel for your workouts or yoga practice.
- You live in athleisure and want comfortable pieces with more personality than standard black leggings.
- You prioritize technical features like stretch, support, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
- You want versatile items that can easily transition from a pilates class to running errands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free People Movement the same as 'FP Movement'?
Yes, Free People Movement is often abbreviated as FP Movement. They are the same activewear line from Free People.
Is Free People Movement cheaper than Free People?
Generally, yes. While it is a premium activewear line, the price range for most FP Movement items is lower than the ready-to-wear fashion pieces in the main Free People collection.
Does Free People Movement sizing run small?
FP Movement apparel is designed to be more compressive and form-fitting than the mainline clothing. Many customers find it runs true to size for activewear, but if you're between sizes or prefer a less restrictive fit, you might consider sizing up.
Can you wear Free People Movement as regular clothes?
Absolutely. The collection is designed with athleisure in mind, meaning many pieces like its leggings, tops, and fleece jackets are stylish enough to be worn for casual everyday activities, not just for workouts.
Do Free People and FP Movement have the same return policy?
Yes. Since they are sold under the same parent company and on the same website, they share identical return policies and customer service procedures, making returns and exchanges straightforward.
Where can I buy Free People Movement clothes?
The widest selection is available online at the official Free People website. Some items may also be available at Free People retail stores and other partner retailers that carry the brand.
Is FP Movement good for serious workouts?
FP Movement offers a variety of styles suitable for different levels of activity. They have collections designed for low-impact exercises like yoga and pilates with a focus on softness and flexibility, as well as options with more compression and support appropriate for running and higher-impact training.